The tragic death of midwife Janell Green Smith has brought renewed attention to the critical state of Black maternal health in the United States. Green Smith, who was just 31 years old, passed away on January 1, 2024, following complications related to childbirth. Her death highlights the alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly for Black women.
Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice, had dedicated her career to assisting Black women in achieving safe births. Her family celebrated her pregnancy announcement last summer, marking a joyful milestone in her life with husband Daiquan Smith. Complications arose on Christmas Eve, when she was admitted to the hospital suffering from severe preeclampsia. Two days later, she gave birth to her daughter, Eden, who was delivered early but safe. Unfortunately, further complications necessitated emergency surgery, and just days after her child’s birth, Green Smith tragically lost her life.
Statistics reveal a disturbing reality: Black women in the United States face significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. According to the latest data, the national average stands at 18.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, while for Black women, the staggering figure is 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. This crisis has drawn attention to systemic issues within healthcare, including racism and disparities in care.
Green Smith understood these statistics well. South Carolina ranks among the top ten states for high maternal mortality rates. Her death is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black mothers, and it has sparked an outpouring of grief and demands for change.
Community Remembers a Committed Advocate
Green Smith’s passion for midwifery stemmed from her awareness of the alarming statistics surrounding Black maternal health. She expressed her determination to be part of the solution in a video posted on social media in April 2024. “I wanted to do something about it,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to listening to her patients and addressing their pain.
Her dedication was recognized by her peers, including Nichole Wardlaw, Green Smith’s aunt by marriage and fellow midwife. Wardlaw described her as a “comrade” in the fight against maternal health disparities. “Janell was fighting with all of the rest of us who are tired of, day in and day out, looking at these numbers,” she remarked through tears.
Green Smith’s contributions to the community were well-known. Less than 9% of midwives in the United States are Black, which makes her achievements even more significant. Penelope Bowman, a midwife and mentor to Wardlaw, often spoke of Green Smith’s exceptional work, calling her a homegrown midwife dedicated to serving her community.
A Call for Accountability and Change
Despite her professional expertise, Green Smith did not have a midwife present during her own pregnancy, as midwives often avoid potential conflicts of interest by not attending births within their own practices. On December 29, complications arose following her C-section delivery, leading to emergency surgery. Tragically, her heart stopped shortly thereafter, and efforts to understand the circumstances of her death continue.
The healthcare provider involved, Prisma Health, has not commented on the specific details surrounding Green Smith’s death. In a statement, Prisma Health President and CEO Mark O’Halla mourned her loss, describing her as a “trusted colleague” and a “cherished friend.”
In the wake of her passing, vigils have been held in both Greenville and Charleston, South Carolina, drawing fellow midwives, former patients, and family members. Organizations such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the National Black Nurses Association have expressed outrage at the systemic issues leading to elevated mortality rates for Black mothers.
“Dr. Green Smith’s knowledge did not shield her. Her credentials did not protect her,” the National Black Nurses Association stated, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and change in maternal healthcare practices.
Green Smith’s tragic death underscores a historical pattern of neglect in addressing Black maternal health. Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, noted that over 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable. The persistent high rates of maternal mortality among Black women call for immediate action and a commitment to reform in healthcare systems across the country.
For Wardlaw, the grief is compounded by frustration. As a midwife, she is acutely aware of the systemic issues that contribute to these tragedies. “We cannot continue to lose our women,” she stated, a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change in maternal health care.
